§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked whether any petition has been received from the naval shipwrights, and, if so, whether the petition is being inquired into and at what stage it has arrived; whether he can see his way to do away with the nomination for boy artificers and let them be passed in by competitive examination; whether he is aware that under the present system the medical examination for entry is made after the civil examination; and whether he is aware that sometimes three months elapse after the civil examination before the result of the medical examination is known, and candidates thus lose other opportunities of employment?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The Board has been petitioned on behalf of the shipwright class. The questions raised have been reported upon by a Departmental Committee, and their Report is now before the Board. It appears that the matter requires longer and more careful investigation than was anticipated, and the Admiralty is not yet in a position to give a decision. Boy artificers are now entered (1) by open competition conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners; (2) by limited competition amongst candidates recommended by certain education authorities. A small number are also selected from boys nominated by Commanders-in-Chief on account of service claims. These are required to pass a qualifying examination in the subjects laid down for competitive candidates. It is not proposed to vary this system. In accordance with the usual practice, the medical examination takes place after the result of the literary examination is known. The open competition is held in May, and the result is known about July. The limited competition is held in October, and the result known in November. In both cases arrangements for the medical examination are commenced immediately the result is known.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDCan the right hon. Gentleman say how soon the result will be known?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am afraid I cannot say.
§ Sir HILDRED CARLILEMay I ask why the right hon. Gentleman is answering all the other questions addressed to the First Lord of the Admiralty and has not answered mine?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf the hon. Member will have a little patience he will get an answer.